Kasper Hjulmand believes Arsenal can go all the way in Champions League

Bayer Leverkusen manager Kasper Hjulmand has declared Arsenal genuine contenders to lift the Champions League trophy this season, praising the Gunners’ comprehensive improvement on the European stage. After watching his side succumb to Mikel Arteta’s team in the round of 16, the Danish coach believes the Londoners have the structure and momentum to go the distance.

Arsenal sealed their quarter-final berth with a commanding performance at Emirates Stadium, ending Leverkusen’s hopes of an upset. The victory not only underlined their growing continental pedigree but also ensured they avoided the early exit that befell domestic rivals Liverpool last term. Up next is a last-eight meeting with Sporting Club, a tie Hjulmand expects Arsenal to navigate if they maintain their current standards.

The former Denmark boss highlighted the Gunners’ domestic dominance as evidence of their readiness. “You can see in the Premier League as well, their lead, the fewest goals against them, the highest number of goals scored, so it’s not a coincidence,” he told Metro. “When you structure your game like this it’s very difficult.”

Arteta’s side have married defensive resilience with ruthless attacking output, a balance that has carried them to the summit of English football and now fuels belief they can conquer Europe. Yet the road ahead is steep: victory over Sporting would almost certainly pit Arsenal against heavierweights in the semi-finals and, potentially, a showpiece final.

For Hjulmand, the trajectory is clear. “They can go all the way,” he insisted, echoing a sentiment spreading across the continent that Arsenal have evolved into a complete, tactically disciplined outfit capable of securing the club’s first Champions League crown.